It came top at a tasting of 650 different bubblies from 16 countries in the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships.

Named in honour of 28 pioneering, working class Rochdale mill workers who formed the world’s first co-operative movement in 1844, the bubbly swept the board at an international event to be crowned king of the champagne world.

A panel of experts tasted bottles from global suppliers before naming the Co-op’s humble fizz World Champion in three categories - Vintage Brut Blend, Supermarket Vintage and Greatest Value.

But it was the gong for Vintage that stunned the wine world as Les Pionniers 2004 saw off renowned champagne house Louis Roederer and also Moet et Chandon’s Vintage 2006, which sells for £50 a pop.

Judges admitted: “This is possibly the most amazing result of the entire competition,” as they announced the winners.

Tim Stevenson, founder of the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, was on the panel which praised the high street champagne for “its superior construction”, “class” and “longevity”.

Co-op champagne buyer Ben Cahill said: “Matured for 10 years, our own label vintage champagne is a steal at £24.99.”